PITTSBURGH — Attorneys for Dr. Cyril Wecht on Wednesday asked a federal judge to acquit him now, before retrial, on fraud and theft of honest services charges.

Failing that, the attorneys want the judge to ban evidence gathered in searches organized by an FBI agent with a history of discipline problems.

Wecht, 77, is accused of using his former Allegheny County Coroner's Office staff and resources to benefit his lucrative private practice. He's also accused of overbilling private clients and prosecutors.